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| ▲ This image, provided by Mainstream, shows South Korean rapper Lee Young-ji. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, June 25 (Yonhap) -- Rapper Lee Young-ji has set the summer music scene ablaze. Known for her candid and cheerful persona on TV variety shows, she has climbed to the top of the music charts with her debut album's title track "Small Girl," surpassing prominent K-pop idols. Her heartfelt message, delivered through an easy-to-listen melody, has resonated with MZ generation music fans.
According to the music industry on the 25th, Lee Young-ji's first mini-album "16 Fantasy" and its title track "Small Girl" have topped major domestic music charts, including Melon’s ‘Top 100’ and Genie Music’s ‘Top 200.’ This achievement is notable as it was accomplished without appearing on various music programs.
"Small Girl" combines Lee Young-ji's charming husky voice with a pleasant melody, presenting a contrast to her previously bold and assertive tracks. Notably, EXO's D.O. features on the track, adding a harmonious blend to the song. The English lyrics, penned by Lee Young-ji herself, reveal the stark reality faced by her 16-year-old self, hinting at the autobiographical nature of the song.
In "Small Girl," she sings, "If I had small cheeks and bright pink lips, would you have wanted to kiss me? Well, never / Such things can never happen to me / Because I'm a tall girl." She then asks, "Will you still love me?" Standing mid-170 cm tall, Lee Young-ji candidly addresses her height, a perceived disadvantage, in a relatable and comforting way, which has struck a chord with listeners.
Pop music critic Jeong Min-jae commented, "This song is essentially about complexes. Since almost everyone has insecurities, this song offers comfort and solidarity, with Lee Young-ji smartly conveying her story."
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| ▲ South Korean rapper Lee Young-ji performs at the closing ceremony of the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 held in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, on Feb. 1, 2024. (Yonhap) |
Lee Young-ji expressed her gratitude on her social media, saying, "To everyone who loves 'Small Girl,' thank you! We always fumble when it comes to love. Moments when we suddenly doubt and worry about our beloved traits. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone to kindly bandage all those moments? Even better if that someone could be ourselves!"
Lee Young-ji first gained recognition by becoming the first female rapper to win the hip-hop competition shows "High School Rapper 3" (2019) and "Show Me the Money 11" (2022). However, she has been more prominent as a variety show star, showcasing her unpredictable and humorous personality in shows like "Earth Arcade."
With her first album in five years since her official debut in 2019, she has firmly established herself as 'musician Lee Young-ji.' Music critic Kim Yoon-ha remarked, "Balancing her strong image as a variety star and her identity as a rapper must have been challenging. This album seems to have broken down an internal 'wall' for her." Kim Do-heon, another pop music critic, added, "Rather than forcefully proving her talent, she effectively conveyed her message, making the album more accessible."
Lee Young-ji’s successful transition from a variety show favorite to a chart-topping musician highlights her multifaceted talent and authentic connection with her audience.
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